Contribution of forest resources to poverty reduction in rural communities: the case of Selela Village, Monduli District

Most of the rural community in the world depend on forests and bush lands for both meeting their subsistence needs and as a source of income that in turn leads to reduced poverty. Forests offer a wide range of products for domestic use and for the market, among which are fruit, nuts, medicinal herbs, fodders, tubers, gums and resins, poles, withies, thatch and a variety of game meat and other products such as honey and eggs. Several studies conducted in Tanzania have contributed to the growing awareness of the importance of forest resources to poverty reduction in rural communities, yet these studies concluded that there is no comprehensive information on quantification of amount of forest resources relied upon by rural communities. This study, therefore, was conducted in the Selela Village, Monduli District, with the main objective of assessing the contribution of forest resources to poverty reduction in rural communities. The study employed household survey, key informant interview and focus group discussion whereby a total number of 100 households were surveyed. Research results noted that about 98% reported collecting and eating forest products. The proportional contribution of forest products to household food constitutes 33% of all meals taken per day, while relative forest products contribution to annual household income account for 37%. Major problems identified facing utilization and management of forest resources comprise of long distance, seasonal availability of forest products, drought, deforestation, over-grazing and bush fires. Thus to reverse this situation, strategies and interventions aimed at improving rural livelihoods and enhancing conservation of forest resources should be taken.